What happens if someone gets sick on a plane?
It's a common worry, especially for people with health conditions or anxiety about panic attacks. US airliners must carry first-aid and medical kits, larger ones carry a defibrillator, and flight attendants are trained in CPR and defibrillator use. Here's what the rules say.
In this article · 6 sections
A very human worry
"What if I, or someone near me, gets ill in the air?" is one of the most common worries we hear, and it's even stronger for people who get panic attacks. Knowing what's on board, and who is trained to use it, can take some of the "what if" out of it.
What's on board
Every passenger-carrying US airliner under Part 121 must carry approved first-aid kits. Airplanes that need a flight attendant must also carry an approved emergency medical kit, and those with a maximum payload of more than 7,500 pounds must carry an automated external defibrillator (AED).1
The rules also say this equipment must be inspected regularly, kept readily accessible to the crew, clearly marked with how to use it, and labelled with the date it was last inspected.1
Who is trained to help
Airline training programs must include instruction in emergency medical event procedures, including how crewmembers coordinate, and in the location and use of the medical equipment and the contents of the medical kit.2
Every flight attendant must also complete performance drills in CPR and in using an AED, with recurrent drills at least once every 24 months.2 The rules are honest that this isn't the same as being a paramedic: the training is not required to reach the expert level of professional emergency medical personnel.2 It's there so trained people can act quickly while a decision is made about what comes next.
Larger airplanes carry more flight attendants: for example, on airliners with a maximum payload over 7,500 pounds, one for 10 to 50 seats; on any airliner, two for 51 to 100, and more beyond that.3
Who decides what happens next
The captain. Under US rules the pilot in command is directly responsible for, and the final authority on, the operation of the aircraft, and in an emergency that needs immediate action may deviate from rules to the extent needed to meet it.4 That's the authority behind decisions like diverting to a nearer airport.
If you're the one feeling unwell
- Tell a flight attendant early. You won't be a nuisance. Medical events are part of their training.2
- If it's anxiety or panic, say so. Slowing your breathing helps; our in-flight pack has a breathing exercise, and How to calm down on a plane has more.
- Keep any medicines you need in your carry-on, not your checked bag (see Flying with anxiety medication).
Keep reading
Quick answers
Do planes carry a defibrillator?
US airliners that are required to have a flight attendant and have a maximum payload of more than 7,500 pounds must carry an approved automated external defibrillator (AED), along with first-aid kits and an emergency medical kit.
Are flight attendants trained in first aid?
Yes. US rules require training in medical event procedures and the medical equipment on board, and every flight attendant must do hands-on drills in CPR and AED use, repeated at least every 24 months.
What if I have a panic attack on a plane?
Tell a flight attendant. Handling medical events is part of their training. Slowing your breathing can help, and our in-flight pack has a breathing exercise you can use too.
Who decides whether to divert for a medical emergency?
The captain. Under US rules the pilot in command is directly responsible for, and the final authority on, the operation of the aircraft.
Sources
(4)
- 14 CFR § 121.803, Emergency medical equipment
- 14 CFR § 121.805, Crewmember training for in-flight medical events
- 14 CFR § 121.391, Flight attendants
- 14 CFR § 91.3, Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command
Facts last checked against these sources: October 18, 2026.